Richard Beaton '14

Hello! My name is Richard Beaton and I am a member of the Class of 2014. Thank you for your gift to the Alumni Fund. I know that without alumni support many of the opportunities that make this college so exceptional would not be available.

In addition to saying thank you, I would like to share with you a little about myself and my Williams experiences. I came to Williams from Park-Tudor School in Indianapolis, Indiana. I knew Williams was the place for me because of its extraordinary academic reputation and the chance to play on the undisputed best football team in the NESCAC. I plan to major in Economics, but am taking all of the pre-med requirements as I plan to attend med school after college. My main inspiration to do so is my mother. Born in Jamaica, she came to the U.S. for college and med school and is now a family doctor. We’ve made medical relief trips to her hometown in Jamaica. Watching her work among the people epitomizes the selflessness and duty that I hope to take on as a doctor in the future.

The most amazing aspects of Williams are the opportunities outside the classroom. I’ve been lucky enough to make the football and track and field teams where I’ve bonded with my teammates and made friendships which will last long past my days here. The overwhelming feeling of acceptance and belonging makes Williams a special place to me. The professors are willing to find time to work one on one if requested and, no matter what sport it is, the coaches know your academics take priority and don’t create the unnecessary tension between extra-curricular activities and academics that I often felt in high school.

I truly hope to succeed in my pursuit of becoming a doctor so that I can continue helping the needy in Jamaica and discover my own place to use the privilege of attending Williams College in an unselfish way. With the support I have behind me from my peers and staff, this idea will one day become my reality.